Sue and I have happy memories of the inaugural DinoCon.  The event took place last month at Exeter University.  It was the UK’s first dinosaur convention, and we met lots of extremely talented people.  For example, this event was attended by C. M. Kösemen, a researcher and artist. He is also an author, perhaps most famous for the remarkable book “All Yesterdays”. First published in 2012, it was a collaboration with artist John Conway and palaeontologist Darren Naish. It challenges perceptions about how dinosaurs and other prehistoric animals behaved. It contains lots of stunning illustrations.

His artwork is unique, it encompasses surrealist images, speculative evolution and palaeoart. In addition, he takes inspiration from the history and culture of his native Turkey.  As DinoCon drew to a close, Sue and I were presented with a signed illustration.  We are honoured to have received such a gift.

The personally signed artwork presented to Everything Dinosaur by C. M. Kösemen. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The C. M. Kösemen Artwork

This artwork that was signed by the artist features two flying creatures.  The top image is that of Yi qi, the scansoriopterygid dinosaur from the Late Jurassic of China.  The image below is that of the Eurasian magpie (Pica pica).  Sue and I really appreciate this kind gesture, a personally signed copy of some brilliant artwork.  A stunning reconstruction of a bizarre theropod and a magpie to provide scale.  Not all dinosaurs were giants and Yi qi demonstrates the enormous diversity of the Theropoda. C. M. Kösemen too, is known for producing a diverse range of illustrations – everything from dinosaurs to surreal artwork and images of speculative evolution.

For further information about this innovative artist, read his Wikipedia article: C. M. Kösemen on Wikipedia.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“DinoCon was a huge success. It was amazing to meet so many talented people.  The artwork and illustrations on display were simply stunning. Sue and I were delighted to receive such a special and thoughtful gift.”

To read more about this year’s DinoCon event: DinoCon a Fantastic Success!

Last month, we posted an article about a new scientific paper providing more information on the remarkable early ankylosaur Spicomellus afer.  Researchers, including scientists from the University of Birmingham and the London Natural History Museum had published a paper describing more fossil material.  In collaboration with colleagues from Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, (Fez, Morocco), the new study provided fresh insights into the extreme armour of this plant-eating dinosaur. As a result of this new research, a Spicomellus life reconstruction was created by artist Matthew Dempsey.

An anterior view of Spicomellus was included in our August blog post. However, the media release we received included two other Spicomellus images.  One image showed the dinosaur in lateral view, the other was a dorsal view. These images permit viewers to get a better idea of the proposed arrangement of the dermal armour.

A Spicomellus afer life reconstruction (lateral view). Picture credit: Matthew Dempsey.

Picture credit: Matthew Dempsey

To read Everything Dinosaur’s 2021 blog post about the discovery of Spicomellus afer: The World’s Oldest Ankylosaur and Africa’s First.

Everything Dinosaur’s recent article (August 2025) on the newly published scientific paper: Extreme Armour in the World’s Oldest Ankylosaur.

A Remarkable Spicomellus Life Reconstruction (S. afer)

The life reconstruction is a testament to the collaboration between a palaeoartist and scientists.  After carefully studying the fossils the research team works closely with an illustrator to create a life-like appearance of the animal. Some elements remain speculative. For example, fused caudal vertebrae forming a “handle” indicate a tail club weapon.  The appearance of the spikes making up the club are an interpretation by the artist creating the Spicomellus life reconstruction.

A dorsal view of the remarkable dermal armour associated with the bizarre early ankylosaur Spicomellus afer. Picture credit: Matthew Dempsey.

Picture credit: Matthew Dempsey

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We congratulate the whole team for their work on this early ankylosaur.  The Spicomellus artwork help to bring the fossils to life.  In addition, they reinforce the view that Africa’s first ankylosaur was an extremely strange creature.  Its discovery challenges assumptions about the evolution of the Thyreophora.”

Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of a media release from the University of Birmingham in the compilation of this article.

In addition, Everything Dinosaur acknowledges the assistance of the London Natural History Museum for the use of their images.

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Toys.

Everything Dinosaur has commissioned a Guanlingsaurus scale drawing. The illustration is to be used in a Guanlingsaurus liangae fact sheet.  This exclusive fact sheet will be sent out with sales of the new PNSO Yuanlin the Guanlingsaurus marine reptile figure.

A scale drawing of the Chinese shastasaurid Guanlingsaurus liangae. This ichthyosaur is thought to have measured around 8.3 metres in length and to have weighed two and a half tonnes. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The Guanlingsaurus Scale Drawing

Mike from Everything Dinosaur explained that the Guanlingsaurus scale drawing will enable model collectors to instantly gauge how big this Triassic marine reptile was. The largest specimen known (YIGMR SPCV03109) represents an adult animal around 8.3 metres long. It is thought that this ichthyosaur weighed around 2.5 tonnes.  This marine reptile was scientifically described by Yin et al (2000).  It was subsequently reassigned to Shastasaurus.   However, a revision took place in 2013 when a more complete juvenile specimen was discovered.  This led to the reaffirmation that the fossils represented a unique taxon.

To view the range of PNSO prehistoric animal models and figures in stock at Everything Dinosaur: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Models.

Mike added:

“We have been lobbying for PNSO to make more models of prehistoric animals known from China.  We especially wanted more marine reptiles.  It is great to see a Guizhouichthyosaurus to be followed by a Guanlingsaurus figure.”

The Guanlingsaurus model will be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in a few weeks.

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

Our thanks to young artist Caldey who sent into Everything Dinosaur her illustration of the dromaeosaur Austroraptor cabazai. It is a beautiful Austroraptor cabazai drawing.  It was a fierce Late Cretaceous theropod known from fragmentary cranial material. Caldey designed the animal’s colour scheme herself. It is an original illustration following in the footsteps of famous palaeoartists. Congratulations Caldey, it is a stunning piece of art.

Our thanks to Caldey for sending into Everything Dinosaur her amazing illustration of the head of the Late Cretaceous dromaeosaurid Austroraptor (A. cabazai). Picture credit: Caldey.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

An Austroraptor cabazai Drawing

Austroraptor cabazai is known from fossil remains found in the Allen Formation (Patagonia, Argentina). It was formally named and described in 2008. This dinosaur lived around seventy million years ago.  The name translates as “Southern Thief”. The specific name “cabazai” was chosen in honour of Héctor “Tito” Cabaza, who founded the Museo Municipal de Lamarque where the specimen was first studied.

The Austroraptor cabazai scale drawing prepared by Everything Dinosaur in anticipation of the arrival of the Wild Safari Prehistoric World Austroraptor figure. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Sue from Everything Dinosaur praised Caldey’s drawing and commented:

“Caldey has once again impressed us with her artistic talent. Her colourful Austroraptor illustration captures the power and character of this dinosaur beautifully. Indeed, the details around the eye and head are amazing. We are delighted to share Caldey’s artwork with fellow dinosaur fans.”

We always enjoy receiving prehistoric animal themed artwork from young artists. They show how dinosaurs continue to inspire. Furthermore, these drawings highlight the creativity of the artist. Our thanks once again to Caldey for sending us her remarkable Austroraptor cabazai illustration.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

Sue and Mike from Everything Dinosaur have commissioned an exclusive Coronosaurus brinkmani scale drawing. It will be used in the Coronosaurus fact sheet sent out free of charge with sales of the forthcoming PNSO Russo the Coronosaurus model.

An exclusive Coronosaurus brinkmani scale drawing. This illustration will be incorporated into the Coronosaurus fact sheet sent out by Everything Dinosaur with sales of the new for 2025 PNSO Coronosaurus ceratopsian figure. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Mike from Everything Dinosaur stated that the PNSO Coronosaurus dinosaur model would be in stock shortly.

To view the PNSO range of prehistoric animal models: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs Models.

The Coronosaurus brinkmani Scale Drawing

Previously thought to represent an early species of Centrosaurus, a phylogenetic assessment led to a reappraisal and the establishment of a new taxon.  Coronosaurus brinkmani was erected in 2012.  It is known from two extensive bonebeds from the Oldman Formation of southern Alberta.  The species name honours Canadian palaeontologist Donald Brinkman. Now retired, Don was a distinguished palaeontologist and long-time researcher in palaeoecology at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Alberta. The species name recognises his significant contribution to understanding Late Cretaceous ecosystems.

The centrosaurine figure (PNSO Coronosaurus) shown in anterior view.  Everything Dinosaur has commissioned a C. brinkmani scale drawing.

Most horned dinosaurs have individual bony horns or spikes along the top edge of their neck frills. Each one is attached to a separate spot. Uniquely, Coronosaurus grew dozens together in a single cluster.  Moreover, this feature has not been found in other ceratopsians.  It has been suggested that this unusual ornamentation played a role in species recognition or mate selection.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Our scale drawing shows this dinosaur in lateral view.  We chose this orientation to provide the best indication of the animal’s size. Sadly, in lateral view the incredible neck frill is not clear in our illustration.  Naturally, we could have shown this dinosaur in anterior view.  However, this would have compromised the clarity of our scale drawing.”

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.

Everything Dinosaur team members have prepared an exclusive Guizhouichthyosaurus scale drawing in preparation for the arrival of a new PNSO figure.  Guizhouichthyosaurus (G. tangae) is known from south and southwestern China.  It was a large ichthyosaur possibly a member of the Shastasauridae family.  This ichthyosaur is known from several, pancaked specimens.  Including near complete individuals.  Size estimates vary but some fossils indicate an adult animal length in excess of seven metres.

An exclusive Guizhouichthyosaurus scale drawing commissioned for use in a fact sheet about this large Triassic ichthyosaur. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

A Guizhouichthyosaurus Scale Drawing

The scale drawing has been commissioned for use in a free fact sheet that will be sent out with the new PNSO Guizhouichthyosaurus figure. This marine reptile model is due in stock at Everything Dinosaur shortly.

To view the range of PNSO prehistoric animal models in stock: PNSO Age of Dinosaurs.

An amazing specimen measuring 4.8 metres in length found in 2010 but not formally described until 2020 contained the remains of another marine reptile, a 4-metre-long thalattosaur (Xinpusaurus xingyiensis). This most likely represents the oldest record of megafaunal predation by a marine reptile and the oldest example of megapredation.

To read Everything Dinosaur’s blog post about this remarkable fossil discovery: New Study Reveals Oldest Example of Megapredation.

A Generalist Feeder

Guizhouichthyosaurus ate other prey items as well, as evidenced by a G. tangae specimen preserving fish bones as well as some bivalves in its stomach region.  Another specimen contained around a kilogram of gastroliths.  Gastroliths (stomach stones) in ichthyosaurs is rare.  It has been suggested that these stones were consumed accidently, perhaps during feeding on bivalves and worms on the seabed. The gastroliths were different to the surrounding fossil matrix.  This indicates that these stones were collected in a different environment from where the carcase of the animal settled.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We have encouraged PNSO to make more replicas of Chinese prehistoric animals.  The Guizhouichthyosaurus model is one of two ichthyosaurs coming into stock at Everything Dinosaur shortly.  We expect Guizhouichthyosaurus to arrive in a few weeks, the second figure Guanlingsaurus is expected in the early autumn.”

The award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: Prehistoric Animal Figures.

At Everything Dinosaur, we’re always thrilled to see how prehistoric animals spark creativity.  For example, we admire the artwork and illustrations of young dinosaur palaeoartist Phoebe Ginger. Phoebe has been a loyal customer of Everything Dinosaur for over five years.  Sue and I met up with Phoebe at this year’s Lyme Regis Fossil Festival.  It was a pleasure chatting to this talented artist.

Her drawings are full of bold, bright colours.  The artwork features confident lines and her passion for prehistoric animals, especially dinosaurs shines through.

A colourful addition to a desk. A coaster featuring the artwork of young dinosaur palaeoartist Phoebe Ginger. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Phoebe has her own individual style.  Moreover, her understanding of the Dinosauria is demonstrated by the small details she adds to her illustrations.  For instance, the large claw on the front foot of the sauropod and the inclusion of ginkgo leaves on the sauropod coaster. Phoebe blends a flair for scientific detail with a vibrant imagination.

A Young Dinosaur Palaeoartist

Sue and I are always amazed by the passion and skill of our customers.  We admire the artistry and creativity of Phoebe. Her work is certainly unique.  Furthermore, it is a vivid celebration of ancient life. Her growing on-line portfolio is a joy to explore, creating art that appeals to dinosaur fans of all ages. In addition, it is a real testament to how dinosaurs continue to inspire young minds.

To see more of Phoebe’s beautiful artwork, visit her website: Phoebe Ginger.

We believe young artists like Phoebe play a vital role in keeping palaeontology alive through creativity. Dinosaurs aren’t just fossils, they are fuel for expression, curiosity, and learning.  Hopefully, we will be able to catch up with Phoebe at this year’s DinoCon.

Keep drawing, Phoebe, we can’t wait to see what you create next!

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“Phoebe brings prehistoric animals to life with such colour and imagination. We’re proud to have followed her journey and delighted to see how dinosaurs continue to inspire the next generation of artists.”

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.

Mike and Sue at Everything Dinosaur have been busy making preparations for the imminent arrival of the next Haolonggood model shipment. This shipment will include the two, new for 2025 Haolonggood Saurolophus dinosaur models. To celebrate the arrival of this taxon, a fact sheet about Saurolophus is being prepared. The fact sheet will include a scale drawing of Saurolophus. As the fact sheet focuses on the North American species Saurolophus osborni, the scale drawing represents this species.

This dinosaur, fossils of which are associated with the Horseshoe Canyon Formation of western Canada, is estimated to have measured around 8.5 metres in length.  However, the Asian species Saurolophus angustirostris was much larger.

The scale drawing of the hadrosaur Saurolophus osborni that has been prepared for use in the Everything Dinosaur Saurolophus fact sheet. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Known from extensive fossil material from Mongolia, S. angustirostris is estimated to have reached lengths in excess of twelve metres.  For example, acclaimed dinosaur expert Gregory S. Paul states a length of thirteen metres for S. angustirostris.

• Saurolophus osborni – Upper Cretaceous deposits from the Horseshoe Canyon Formation (Alberta, Canada) – length up to 8.5 metres, weight 3 tonnes.
• Saurolophus angustirostris – Upper Cretaceous deposits of the Nemegt Formation (Mongolia) – length more than 12 metres, weight 11 tonnes.

Scale drawings of the two valid Saurolophus species. S. osborni (top) and the much larger Mongolian species S. angustirostris (bottom). Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The silhouette of the human figure in the image (above) provides the scale.

Haolonggood Saurolophus Models

We think that the Haolonggood figures are beautiful.  They have a declared scale of 1:35. Each model measures a little over twenty-two centimetres in length.  This suggests at 1:35 scale, that these models represent a dinosaur around eight metres in length. We have concluded, based on this data that the figures represent Saurolophus osborni.

The two new Haolonggood Saurolophus models. Foreground, Yue He (brown) and in the background Song Qing.

To view the range of Haolonggood prehistoric animal models in stock: Haolonggood Prehistoric Animal Models.

Mike from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We try to write fact sheets that inform and educate.  For nearly every named prehistoric animal figure we sell a free fact sheet is provided.”

For prehistoric animal models and figures, visit: Everything Dinosaur.

A drawing of the giant South American dromaeosaur Austroraptor has been commissioned.  This was done to celebrate the arrival of the new Austroraptor cabazai model.  This colourful figure is new for 2025 and is the latest addition to the Wild Safari Prehistoric World range. Austroraptor was formally named and described in 2008 (Fernando Novas et al).  Dr Fernando Emilo Novas has named and described several dinosaurs from his native Argentina.  For example, ten years before the formal scientific description of A. cabazai, he named Megaraptor (M. namunhuaiquii).

When Novas described Megaraptor he thought the fossils represented a huge dromaeosaurid. It was thought at the time that an enormous fossil claw was from the second toe. Typical of a dromaeosaurid, but much larger than the claws associated with most dromaeosaurid taxa. However, subsequent analysis has revealed this claw to actually be a finger claw rather than a toe claw.  Megaraptor was not a giant dromaeosaurid.  However, with the formal description of Austroraptor, Argentina had its first giant “raptor”.

Austroraptor cabazai remains the largest dromaeosaur known to date from the Southern Hemisphere. Body size estimates vary. However, it could have reached a length of around six metres.

The Austroraptor cabazai model illustration commissioned by Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

To view the range of Wild Safari Prehistoric World models in stock: Wild Safari Prehistoric World Figurines.

The Austroraptor cabazai Model Drawing

Everything Dinosaur commissioned the drawing so that it could be used in an Austroraptor fact sheet.  For nearly all the prehistoric animal figures that the company sells, they send out a free fact sheet. The fact sheet provides information about the prehistoric animal. Furthermore, a scale drawing is included.

Sue from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“We like to inform and educate.  Hopefully, the free fact sheets that we send out help.  In addition, we get sent lots of emails asking about dinosaurs and fossils.  We do all we can to answer these queries promptly.  The Austroraptor drawing will permit us to create a scale drawing of this Late Cretaceous Argentinian dromaeosaurid. This scale drawing will then feature on our new Austroraptor cabazai fact sheet.”

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur Models and Prehistoric Animal Figurines.

The new for 2025 Wild Safari Prehistoric World Austroraptor model is heading our way.  We expect this figure of Austroraptor cabazai to be in stock at Everything Dinosaur in a few days. It is the largest dromaeosaurid known to date from the Southern Hemisphere. Size estimates vary, partly because the holotype specimen is fragmentary and also because a second referred specimen is around two thirds the size of the holotype.

Austroraptor may have reached a length of six metres, and it is estimated to have weighed around three hundred kilograms. Although heavier weight estimates have been proposed. For example, Benson et al proposed a much heavier body mass in a paper published in PLOS Biology (2014)*.

This paper looked at the remarkable morphological and ecological diversity of animals. Moreover, particular emphasis was placed on the Dinosauria. The researchers examined the theory that evolutionary rates are highest early in the evolution of a group, as lineages diversify to fill disparate ecological niches.

The team found rapid evolutionary rates in early dinosaur evolution, beginning in the Late Triassic. They postulated that this occurred as dinosaur body sizes diversified rapidly to fill new ecological niches, including herbivory. High rates were maintained only on the evolutionary line leading to birds. As part of their research, they estimated body size of animals based on the robustness or otherwise of their limbs. Austroraptor fossils were part of this study. A body mass estimate in excess of five hundred kilograms was reported.

The new for 2025 Wild Safari Prehistoric World Austroraptor figure shown in lateral view.

The Wild Safari Prehistoric World Austroraptor Model

Fortunately, this new dromaeosaurid figure is considerably lighter.  This attractive model of a feathered dinosaur measures a fraction over twenty-two and a half centimetres in length.  Those carefully painted black quills on the head are nearly eight centimetres off the ground.  This replica of Austroraptor cabazai will be in stock at Everything Dinosaur shortly.

To view the range of Wild Safari Prehistoric World figures: Safari Ltd. Wild Safari Prehistoric World Figures.

As part of preparations for the arrival of this theropod figure, Mike from Everything Dinosaur has been writing a fact sheet.  The fact sheet will include a scale drawing of Austroraptor cabazai.

The Austroraptor cabazai scale drawing prepared by Everything Dinosaur in anticipation of the arrival of the Wild Safari Prehistoric World Austroraptor figure. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Mike explained:

“We commission a drawing of most of the prehistoric animal models that we sell.  This drawing is then used to create a scale drawing, and this is added to our free fact sheet.  These scale drawings help our customers to appreciate the estimated size of the actual prehistoric animal.”

To read Everything Dinosaur’s blog post from December 2008 about the discovery of Austroraptor: Introducing Austroraptor – A Fearsome Predator of the Late Cretaceous.

The scientific paper*: “Rates of Dinosaur Body Mass Evolution Indicate 170 Million Years of Sustained Ecological Innovation on the Avian Stem Lineage” by Roger B. J. Benson, Nicolás E. Campione, Matthew T. Carrano, Philip D. Mannion, Corwin Sullivan, Paul Upchurch and David C. Evans published in PLOS Biology.

Visit the award-winning Everything Dinosaur website: The Everything Dinosaur Website.